The Importance of Moisturizers

Over the years we have introduced various medical skin care
products and aesthetic procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels and
micro-needling that result in temporary redness, dryness and irritation. At times, instructions for use of moisturizers
for irritation from skin care products or post procedures are not specific enough.
So much time and effort is taken to learn about products that are therapeutic,
and the importance of moisturizers is not given enough attention.

Patients starting on a medical skin care program may not be as
compliant with their regimen if they lack instruction on what moisturizer to
use that when they experience skin irritation and dryness. They either stop
their skin care regimen due to irritation or they fumble on their own through
the local drug stores or the cosmetic counters for products to relieve their
symptoms.

Aquaphor is one of the most common products recommended,
especially after Fraxel or Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Frequently,
patients become upset and complain of acne-like breakouts. Breakouts result in
longer downtime than expected post-procedure and require handholding and
reassurance.

Cutagenix is a product that has been well accepted by our
patients who are starting a medical skin care program or post-procedure. Other
practices have used it for various dermatological issues such as radiation
dermatitis. Cutagenix is an emulsion that consists of perfluorodecalin and plant
derived emulsifiers. Emulsifiers surround small droplets of the perfluorodecalin
and create a uniform and stable emulsion. It has the consistency of light
foam.

Perfluorodecalin is a biologically inert liquid capable of
dissolving and exchanging oxygen with the environment. Perfluorodecalin, the
key ingredient in Cutagenix, is a biocompatible material that has a high
affinity for oxygen. Skin derives oxygen from the atmosphere. Unlike products
like aquaphor that can create a barrier and inhibit oxygen from reaching the
skin, this highly oxygen permeable emulsion can soothe and calm irritated skin
to breath so it can help restore itself naturally.

Our patients are happier and more comfortable post
procedures. In addition, patients are more compliant with their medical skin
care regimen when they have Cutagenix to soothe the dryness and irritation if
it occurs.